Public service Code of Conduct

Read the Queensland Government’s Code of Conduct (PDF, 161.9 KB) . Alternatively, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Code of Conduct page to listen to an audio version.

The Code of Conduct describes how government employees should conduct themselves while delivering services to the Queensland community. This includes when performing official work duties, representing the government at events or on business trips, and attending work-related social events.

Who is subject to the Code of Conduct?

The Code of Conduct applies to employees of Queensland Government agencies. For the purposes of the Code of Conduct, agencies are:

• departments
• TAFE institutes or statutory TAFE institutes
• administrative offices of a court or tribunal
• entities prescribed by regulation.

You must abide by the Code of Conduct if you’re a permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time or casual employee; or a volunteer, student, contractor or consultant working for a Queensland Government agency.

How does the Code of Conduct work?

The Code of Conduct is underpinned by 4 ethics principles. The Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 affirms these principles are fundamental to good public administration.

The principles are:

• integrity and impartiality—being honest, fair and respectful, and ensuring decisions are unprejudiced, unbiased and just
• promoting the public good—delivering the programs and services that benefit the people of Queensland
• commitment to the system of government—respecting the government and its institutions and upholding the law
• accountability and transparency—taking responsible actions and making decisions that can be explained and easily understood.

The Code of Conduct provides standards of conduct for each principle. Queensland Government employees are expected to adhere to these standards while serving the Queensland community.

See also your agency’s intranet. You may have a Standards of practice guide that supports the Code of Conduct, and additional policies and values you need to follow.

How is the Code of Conduct applied?

Queensland Government employees are responsible for always adhering to the standards of conduct as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

You are also responsible for reporting any concerns you have about others not adhering to the standards. If you have any concerns, provide feedback to your supervisor. They’ll review the matter and determine if the conduct conflicts with the standards.

Managers

Managers are responsible for adhering to the standards of conduct as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

You must also ensure your employees:

• understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct
• understand the relevant legislation, delegations and policies
• receive the appropriate training and development to perform their duties.

Chief executives and senior executives

Chief executives and senior executives are responsible for adhering to the standards of conduct as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

• promote an organisational culture that values high ethical standards and behaviour
• demonstrate a commitment to ethics by communicating the importance of ethical decision-making in the workplace and promoting ethical behaviour in day-to-day actions
• ensure your employees have access to training in how to use the Code and in ethical decision-making.